A tenant does not have to give notice because the contract has a start and end date
Question :
My landlord issued a renewal tenancy contract valid for only eight months next year but hasn’t communicated for six weeks. We haven’t signed this contract and attempted to negotiate a full 12-month lease instead of the eviction date without response from him.
If we wish to vacate at the end of the contract, are we obligated to provide notice?
Answer :
Law 33 of 2008 amended certain provisions of Law 26 of 2007, which governs the landlord-tenant relationship.
Under this amended law, the requirement for a notice period for non-renewal was eliminated. Therefore, tenants are not obligated to provide notice of non-renewal because the contract specifies both a start and end date.
The 90-day period applies if either party wishes to make changes to the contract upon renewal. If the landlord does not communicate any changes, tenants are free to vacate at the end of their tenancy.
However, many landlords and tenants are unaware of this rule, which could result in the risk of forfeiting your deposit if the landlord discovers you moved out without the notice they believe is required, using it as compensation.
Consequently, you may need to file a case at the Rental Dispute Centre to resolve any disagreements between the parties.
Question :
Our tenancy contract in Abu Dhabi is set to expire in one month. Previously, when asked about renewal, we agreed based on our intention to remain in the country. Over the past three years, renewal contracts were typically signed about a week before expiration, with communication regarding our intentions taking place within the 90-day period prior to expiry.
Regrettably, we must unexpectedly depart the country and cancel our residence visa permanently. This situation has caught us completely unprepared, and we urgently need to find a solution.
Are there specific legal provisions for this scenario? Can we request not to renew the tenancy contract? What are the consequences and penalties involved, considering the contract stipulates a 60-day notice period to the property management when vacating the property?
Answer :
Given your confirmation to renew the contract with a 60-day notice, you may now face potential penalties.
The next steps depend entirely on the landlord’s discretion.
While the rental markets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are strong, your obligations remain unchanged. I recommend arranging a meeting with the landlord to explore potential compromises that minimize financial impact.
It’s likely you’ll incur a penalty since there’s little time for the landlord to find a new tenant before your departure. Prepare for compensation, typically equivalent to one or two months’ rent, if agreed upon by the landlord.
Finding a replacement tenant could mitigate these costs and is worth considering.
Legally, there are no protections, but a sensible approach should guide negotiations. Discussing your situation with the landlord may lead to a mutually beneficial solution.
